Jets not quite strong enough

THE Newcastle Jets recorded their first clean sheet in 10 months but it was not enough to secure a much-needed upset win over A-League high flyers Adelaide United at Hunter Stadium on Saturday.

The home side overcame the loss of marquee striker Emile Heskey to a quadriceps injury at half-time to dominate the clash.

However, they were unable to come up with a winner, with Ryan Griffiths, Adam Taggart and James Virgili all denied by Reds keeper Eugene Galekovic.

At the other end, Adelaide danger men Dario Vidosic, Bruce Djite and Iain Ramsay were left frustrated by a resolute Jets defence.

It was the first time Sam Gallaway, Taylor Regan, Connor Chapman and Craig Goodwin had played as a back four.

The average of the defenders was nearly 21 and they had played a combined 69 games between.

But apart from a couple of half chances early, the Reds were unable to break them down.

Adelaide was the last team the Jets held to nil, in a 1-0 victory at Hunter Stadium in round 23 last season.

The draw ended a two-game losing streak for the Jets and moved them to 17 points.

Adelaide remain second on 29 points.

The crowd of 10,721 was the lowest of the season but they were treated to an open, entertaining clash despite the lack of goals.

Desperate to end an 18-game gap since the last clean sheet, Jets coach Gary van Egmond overhauled the backline again. Taylor Regan was promoted for his third start of the campaign alongside Connor Chapman in the centre of defence.

Craig Goodwin dropped from midfield to cover for Scott Neville, who succumbed to a hamstring strain.

James Brown also started in the other change from the 2-1 loss to Melbourne Heart.

Antony Golec replaced Nigel Boogaard (hamstring) in the only alteration from the Adelaide outfit which pumped Sydney FC 3-0.

The visitors came out flying.

Vidosic forced a reflex save from Mark Birighitti in the fifth minute and Bruce Djite blasted into the side netting a minute later.

With the temperature nudging 30 degrees earlier in the day, the teams had a scheduled drinks break at the mid-point of the half.

At that stage, Adelaide had 56 per cent of possession, led the corner count 4-0 and had six attempts on goal to the Jets one. What ever was in the water, it worked for the Jets.

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